I would like to become more knowledgeable about Colt SAAs and 1911s and begin collecting, probably starting with newer ones to shoot as well as keep and then get in to some older ones to maybe shoot or maybe not and hang on to for some years. I think I may check into a C&R down the road. Is there a good book on gun collecting or should I just learn all I can about these models and use the blue book? I can afford a little stupid tax but I don't want to be taken time and time again.

There's some pretty good info over at 1911forum about collecting 1911's. Stay off the "newer" 1911 forums there though.

thanks

Good advise Old Cane. I wonder how many collections started as someone 'wanting a collection' or someone just fanatical about something and slowly amassing a collection. I use to collect antique kitchen tools because they were interesting to me--I never set out to have a collection it just happened. I think a lot of collectors fall into the collecting trap unwittingly.

intersting

the chef

Well, my mother is leaving me a good bit once her estate is done. Most will go to retirement savings and/or real estate but I thought why not have something that will appreciate over the years as well as offer some fun? I think she'd like that. I've been collecting but nothing in particular over the years like you mention. I do have a thing for 2nd gen. Colt SAAs so I think it will work out fine.

Thanks for the advice, keep it coming.